San Francisco Non Profit Organizations

Posted on January 01, 2012 by Admin
San Francisco Non Profit Organizations

San Francisco Non Profit Organizations

For the winter holiday season, San Francisco has a number of beloved traditions that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Indoor Holiday Fun

  • Dance-Along Nutcracker -The San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band‘s Dance-Along Nutcracker has been a local Christmas tradition since 1985. The beloved holiday classic gets a San Francisco upgrade as members of the audience dance in the aisles to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. This year’s event takes place at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts during the weekend of December 11th and 12th. Matinees for all ages with a special, adults-only performance on Saturday evening at 7pm.
  • The Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party - A Bay Area tradition since 1970, the Dickens Christmas Fair takes place over four weekends beginning Friday, Nov. 26th at the Cow Palace. Visitors stroll through an authentic London village in Victorian times complete with actors in period costume. There are shows (from Punch and Judy to bawdy dance hall skits), games (none electronic!), and plenty of Victorian food, crafts and merchandise.

Special Holiday Displays

  • Macys Union Square SPCA Holiday Windows - During the holiday season, Macy’s in Union Square decorates it’s windows with adorable adoptable kittens and puppies. There is an SPCA adoption center on site with experts who can help facilitate pet adoptions. Check their website for hours.
  • Hyatt Regency Snow Village - The lobby of the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Hotel (5 Embarcadero Center) will feature more than 3,000 handcrafted ceramic pieces making up a snow village display
  • Westin St. Francis Sugar Castle -During the holidays, the lobby of the Westin St. Francis (on Union Square) will showcase a 12 foot high, 1,200 pound castle made of sugar. (The sugar castle will be on display from Nov. 24th to January 3rd.)
  • Palace Hotel Gingerbread Houses -From Nov. 26th to Dec. 31st, the lobby of the Palace Hotel will feature gingerbread houses created by celebrity designers. The public votes for their favorite masterpieces; the winners earn money for their favorite non-profit organization.
  • Christmas Tree and Menorah Lights - Visitors can find decorated holiday trees at Pier 39, Ghiradelli Square, Union Square, Castro Street, and The Presidio. A menorah lighting will be held in Union Square from December 1 through 9th.

Outdoor Holiday Fun

  • Holiday Ice Skating Near San Francisco Shopping - San Francisco sets up two temporary outdoor ice skating rinks for the holidays, one at Embarcadero Center (Justin Herman Plaza at Front and Embarcadero) and one at Union Square (Geary and Powell). Both offer skate rentals. For indoor ice skating, Yerba Buena Ice Skating Center offers extra skating sessions during the winter break as well as a special Holidaze ice Show on December 10th and 11th at 7 pm.
  • SFBC’s Bike Ride to See Christmas Lights - Athletes and cyclists can celebrate the season by riding in the San Francisco Bike Coalition's Annual Holiday Lights Ride. This moderately strenuous 12 to 15 mile jaunt (some hills included) passes by some of San Francisco's most decorated homes. This year's ride takes place on Sunday December 19th at 6:00 pm. For more information, contact the SFBC.

Unique Holiday Traditions

San Francisco has many unique traditions that make it a great place to spend the holidays.